Zaurus SL-6000 Flash Memory Expansion

The key component for expanding the 6000's memory is the memory device itself.
There appear to be two choices, a Toshiba device and a Samsung one.
Whilst others might be pin-for-pin compatible, it's vital that the device's
ID exists in the Zaurus' bootloader. It is believed, but not
confirmed that the choices are a Samsung K9K1G08U0M or a Toshiba
TC58DVG02AFT.

Here's the before photo!

A Lexar 128MB memory stick (classic, not pro or duo etc) was found to contain
the Samung device - these Sony memory stick compatible devices are in a
purple-ish transparent case, making them ideal to recognise! Click on photos
for enlargement.

Thus, it is
possible to ask people selling them on ebay what the memory chip inside them
is and be sure of not wasting money. So far I am still waiting to find someone
who had got the right kind of memory chip inside the memstick they are selling,
however, I did find someone giving one away on the local FreeCycle mailing
list, but I didn't say I was going to "ruin" it!!

The tools required to do this are:

a sharp thin-bladed knife

an SMT rework station, flux and solder

appropriate tiny screwdrivers

a metal sheet and a protective mat

a metal rod of 3 to 8mm diameter approximately

a protective glove (leather motorcycle one is good)!

courage!

Before starting, I copied a NAND backup file into the flash memory, in the
hope that this would be seen by the Z as a valid ROM image and boot. If it
doesn't, the Z will be a brick until a restore is done - which is necessary
anyway to make use of the extra flash.

Stage 1 - Removal Of Flash Chip From Memory Stick

This is a low-risk stage in that the worst that can happen is destruction
of a low-value item!

Crack open the case of the memory stick using the knife, working your
way round the edge, twisting gently. It should be quite easy, and it doesn't
matter if the case is ruined anyway! The PCB can then be removed.

Fire up the SMT station to about 350 Celsius.

Use a metal sheet to work on, and if you're doing
this on a kitchen table, put a non-valuable mat underneat to protect the
table from heat.

Rest the memory card over the rod, such that it crosses the card at
right-angles under the flash memory chip like a see-saw.

Heat up the row of pins nearest the middle of the board and every few
seconds gently try and flex the board using the protected hand,
and the row of pins should pop up.

Allow the board to cool whilst still pressing, to ensure the chip doesn't
resolder down.

Heat up the other end, and every five seconds try pulling gently off the
board - there may be some glue residues holding it down. The chip should
come away fairly easily.

When chip has cooled, examine carefully, and if necessary straighten the
pins perhaps using the sharp knife.

Still with me? Nothing caught fire and no finger's cut or burned? Congratulations!

Stage 2 - Dismantling The Zaurus

See the dismantling page. Note that
to get to the part of the PCB where memory and bluetooth are fitted
requires pretty much a total strip-down - it's not just a case of
taking the back off and a quick dab of solder!